The Atlanta Braves are sorting through a minor health situation as Opening Day approaches, and one of their key offseason additions has recently been sidelined. While the issue does not appear serious, Mike Yastrzemski has been out of action this week at spring training.
Atlanta added the 35-year-old veteran outfielder in December on a two‑year, $23 million deal that runs through the 2027 season and includes a club option. Initially expected to play a complementary role, his importance has grown significantly in March.
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That is largely due to the absence of Jurickson Profar, who will miss the entire 2026 season due to suspension. With a spot now open in the outfield mix, Yastrzemski is in line to take on a much larger role than originally anticipated, making his status especially relevant and raising concern levels when he missed five straight games.
Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution reported on Saturday, “Mike Yastrzemski has been dealing with pink eye, which is why he’s been out recently. He’ll return in next few days.”
Fortunately for the Braves, the issue is minor and should not impact his availability for the regular season. Still, the missed time interrupts what had been an excellent spring for the outfielder.
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Through 12 Grapefruit League games, Yastrzemski has been one of Atlanta’s most productive hitters, posting a .429 batting average, a543 on‑base percentage and 1.507 OPS with four home runs and seven RBIs. That level of production, even in a small sample, highlights the upside he can bring to the lineup if he carries it into the regular season.
Yastrzemski, who made his MLB debut at age 28, brings plenty of experience as he enters his eighth big‑league season. He spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco Giants before being traded to the Kansas City Royals at last year’s deadline.
Across both teams in 2025, he hit .233 with a .333 on‑base percentage and .735 OPS with 17 home runs and 46 RBIs, though his performance improved notably after the move to Kansas City.
His last appearance this spring came on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, but his return now appears imminent which is good considering Opening Day is just one week away. For a Braves team aiming to bounce back and return to the postseason, getting Yastrzemski back on the field, and swinging the bat the way he has this spring, could be a key factor early in the 2026 season.